India-China Relations

Recent high-level meetings, including the Modi-Xi interaction at the 2024 BRICS Summit in Kazan, signal cautious diplomatic movement to reduce tensions post the 2020 Galwan Valley clash.

Strategic Recalibration Post-Galwan

• Resumption of Diplomatic Engagement: The Galwan incident of 2020 deeply strained bilateral ties; however, interactions at BRICS 2024 and SCO meetings indicate a cautious push toward de-escalation and resumption of ties.
• Military De-escalation Efforts: Indian ministers have advocated early disengagement and confidence-building in border zones, especially Eastern Ladakh, where patrolling and surveillance had become highly sensitive.
• China's Selective Sensitivities: While India reaffirms the One-China principle on Taiwan and Tibet, Beijing has shown little reciprocity towards India’s sensitivities on Jammu & Kashmir and Pakistan-sponsored terrorism.

Structural Asymmetries in Bilateral Relations

• Asymmetry in Respect and Reciprocity: India seeks parity in bilateral conduct, but China continues to back Pakistan diplomatically, obstructing counter-terror consensus at the UN and SCO, undermining mutual trust.
• Weaponisation of Soft Power and Institutions: China’s use of Confucius Institutes, surveillance via Chinese firms, and alleged espionage through academics or apps have deepened Indian security concerns and prompted regulatory crackdowns.
• Lack of Transparency and Consistency: Frequent Chinese incursions, ambiguous messaging, and strategic ambiguity on the border prevent the normalisation of relations, thereby stalling regional stability efforts.

Future Trajectory and Diplomatic Priorities

• Strategic Signalling through Multilateral Forums: The BRICS platform, while valuable, is not sufficient for resolving bilateral issues; India's positions on sovereignty and security must be recognised explicitly in bilateral frameworks.
• Trade and Economic Disparity: Despite strong trade figures, there is insufficient economic interdependence to offset political distrust. India remains wary of China’s economic coercion and supply chain vulnerabilities.
• Need for Balanced and Equitable Framework: India calls for mutuality in core concerns—terrorism, sovereignty, and non-interference—while China must move beyond symbolic cooperation to real, verifiable commitments.

Practice Question:

"The normalisation of India-China relations cannot occur in a vacuum; it must be grounded in mutual respect, strategic reciprocity, and clarity on core concerns." Examine in the context of recent bilateral developments and regional geopolitics.      (250 words)